The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is stepping up efforts to combat cyberbullying, online harassment, and gender-based digital abuse, with a new framework aimed at creating safer online environments, particularly for women.
The agency disclosed that it is developing an Online Harm Protection Framework and White Paper designed to address harmful online behaviour while safeguarding digital rights and freedom of expression.
Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, revealed the initiative in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noting that cyberbullying and online abuse have become increasingly prevalent, especially among women in public-facing professions.
According to her, journalists, activists, entrepreneurs, influencers, and other women with a strong online presence are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and other forms of digital abuse.
Umar explained that the initiative is being driven through NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which prioritises digital trust, cybersecurity, inclusion, and online safety.
She said the proposed framework is being developed in collaboration with government agencies, civil society organisations, technology companies, researchers, and digital rights advocates.
“The framework specifically addresses harmful online behaviour such as cyberbullying, hate speech, misinformation, online harassment, and gender-based violence, while also protecting digital rights and freedom of expression,” she said.
The agency is also advancing discussions around an Online Harm Protection Bill and has introduced a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms as part of broader efforts to strengthen online accountability.
NITDA expressed concern that harmful content written in Nigerian languages often escapes detection by automated moderation systems used by global social media platforms.
According to Umar, abusive posts and misinformation circulated in indigenous languages such as Hausa and other local dialects frequently go unchecked because many moderation tools are not designed to understand local linguistic and cultural contexts.
To address this challenge, NITDA is advocating for more localised content moderation systems that can effectively identify and respond to harmful content originating from Nigeria.
The agency believes improved moderation capabilities will strengthen online safety and reduce the spread of abuse, misinformation, and hate speech across digital platforms.
Umar stressed that tackling online abuse requires collaboration among regulators, technology companies, civil society groups, researchers, and digital rights organisations.
She said NITDA is promoting a multi-stakeholder framework aimed at improving reporting mechanisms, increasing transparency, and ensuring quicker responses for victims of online harassment.
The agency believes stronger cooperation among stakeholders will help build a more accountable and secure digital ecosystem.
Beyond regulation and policy development, NITDA is investing in programmes that equip women and vulnerable groups with digital skills and cybersecurity awareness.
Umar highlighted initiatives such as the IGNITE Her Bootcamp and the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy, which are designed to enhance women’s participation in the digital economy while promoting safer online engagement.
She encouraged internet users, especially women, to adopt practical safety measures, including strengthening privacy settings, avoiding the disclosure of real-time locations, separating personal and professional online profiles, and making use of platform features such as blocking, muting, and keyword filters.
Umar also advised victims of cyberbullying and online abuse to preserve evidence of harassment through screenshots and saved links rather than engaging directly with perpetrators.
According to her, responding to abusive content can often escalate attacks and expose victims to further harassment.
“Protecting yourself is not about limiting your voice. It is about building a digital fortress around your personal life so that you can participate online safely and confidently,” she said.
NITDA has continued to promote policies and programmes aimed at improving women’s inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy.
In recent years, the agency has intensified efforts to address challenges such as limited access to technology, funding constraints for female entrepreneurs, and online safety concerns.
The latest framework represents another step in NITDA’s broader mission to create a safer, more inclusive digital environment where women can participate, innovate, and thrive without fear of harassment or abuse.
As online engagement continues to grow across Nigeria, the agency believes stronger protections and greater digital awareness will be essential to building trust and ensuring that technology remains a force for empowerment rather than intimidation.
